RKZ Obesity Centre

What's obesity?

Obesity (serious overweight) is a rapidly increasing health problem. There is a strong relationship between obesity and various health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea syndrome, and arthritis complaints.

Obesity: far-reaching consequences

These health issues for people with obesity are far-reaching. They cause a decline of their quality of life and a decreased life expectancy. Also, a low self-image, little self-confidence and depression occur more often with obese people.

In the Netherlands, currently 40% of the population is overweight (BMI > 25 – What is BMI?), 12% suffer from obesity (BMI > 30), and 1-2% from morbid obesity (BMI > 40). Of all Dutch teenagers, 14% is currently seriously overweight.